UIB
Universitat de les
Illes Balears
Master in
Physics________________________________________________
COURSE DESCRIPTION
2006-2007 Academic Year
Technical information
Course
Course title: Electronic Properties of Nanostructures
Course code: a cumplimentar por el Centro de Tecnologías de la Información
Type of course: Optional
Level of course: Postgraduate
Year of study: First, second
Semester: Second
Calendar: Mondays 11.40-12.30 a.m., Tuesdays: 12.40-1.30 p.m., Fridays: 10.40 a.m.11.30 a.m.
Language of instruction: Catalan/Spanish. English reading comprehension skills are
required. The course may be given in English, depending on the students enrolled.
Lecturers
Supervising lecturer
Name: Llorenç Serra Crespí
Other lecturers
Name: Rosa López Gonzalo
Name: David Sánchez Martín
Contact: llorens.serra@uib.es
Contact: rosa.lopez-gonzalo@uib.es
Contact: david.sanchez@uib.es
Prerequisites
A bachelor’s degree in science
Number of ECTS credits 5
Number of classroom hours: 30
Independent study hours: 95
Description
Nanosystem creation and structure. Electronic transport. Effects of electron-electron
interaction.
Course competences
Specific
1. Describe the phenomenology of artificial nanometric systems
2. Use quantum mechanics to describe the electronic levels and optical properties of
nanostructures
3. Model electronic transport in nanostructures
4. Demonstrate a solid grounding in microscopic models with interactions between
electrons
Generic
1. Understand and express meaning in the languages of physics, mathematics and
programming
2. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge to problem solving
3. Apply computer technologies
4. Initiate individual research in the field
5. Be conversant with techniques for writing and publicly presenting individual and
research work
Course contents
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Two dimensional electron gas in semiconductor quantum wells. Formation of quantum
points and wires. Carbon nanotubes.
Quantum states and optical properties of nanostructures. Effects of external magnetic fields.
Electronic transport in Landauer’s and Landauer-Buttiker’s formalisms. S matrix and
Green’s function formalism. The tight-binding model.
The resonant tunnelling effect in double barrier systems. Coherent transport and dispersive
phenomena.
Electron-electron interaction effects: Coulombian blockage of transport. Introduction to
Green’s function and non-equilibrium formalism.
Methodology and student workload
Subject-related
Teaching
competences
method
1-4
Classroom
sessions
2,3
Practical classes
1-4
2,3
4
1-4
2,3
1, 2
3, 4
1, 2, 3, 4
Tutorial
Presentation
Group work
Seminar
Theoretical study
Practical study
Theoretical work
Practical work
Complementary
activities
Type of group
Medium-sized
groups
Medium-sized
groups
Small
Medium-sized
groups
Medium-sized
groups
Student hours
20
Teaching staff
hours
20
5
5
2
1
2
1
2
2
45
25
10
10
5
Ten percent of course activities are distance learning classes (e-learning)
Assessment instruments, criteria and learning agreement
Assessment criteria
1. Acquisition and/or fulfilment of course-specific competences
2. Interest shown by students during the course
Assessment instruments
1. Presentation of a project from the course content
2. On-going assessment based on participation in practical classes, presentation of group
work, etc.
Grading criteria
1. 50% of the grade: presentation of project
2. 50% of the grade: presentation of group work, problem solving in practical classes
Assessment based on a learning agreement: No
Independent study material and recommended reading
Material available on the Internet and photocopies given out by lecturers
Bibliography, resources and annexes
1.- S. Datta, Electronic transport in Mesoscopic systems, Cambridge U.P.
2.- D.K. Ferry, S. M. Goodnick, Transport in Nanostructures, Cambridge U.P.
Link to the course teaching guide